12-07-22 PC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 5 of 10 Applicants are proposing a landscaped area of 79.4% or 21,516 square feet. The R-1 District allows for a maximum structure coverage of 25% or 6,775 square feet. The Applicants are proposing a structure coverage of 13.7% or 3,712 square feet. In the R-1 District, the maximum allowed Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is 0.3, or 8,129 square feet. The applicants are proposing a FAR of 0.12 or 3,252 square feet. The table below provides the district standards for the R-1 District and the preliminary analysis for the proposed development: Required Proposed Lot Area Minimum 14,000 SF 27,098 SF Front Yard Setback Minimum 40’ 28’ 11” Side Yard Setback 10’ Minimum 30’ 10” Setback from OHWL 75’ Minimum 141’ 1” Landscaped Area Greater than 65% 79.4% Structure Coverage Less than 25% 20.6% Floor Area Ratio Less than 0.3 0.12 Maximum Height 35’ 26’ 8” 2. Variance Review The role of the Planning Commission is to determine and consider how the facts presented to them compare with the city’s articulated standards. The Commission should base their decision on the facts presented and then apply those facts to the legal standards contained in city ordinances and relevant state law. Neighborhood opinion alone is not a valid basis for granting or denying a variance request. While the Planning Commission may feel their decision should reflect the overall will of the residents, the task in considering a variance request is limited to evaluating how the variance application meets the statutory practical difficulties factors. Residents can often provide important facts that may help in addressing these factors, however, unsubstantiated opinions and reactions to a request do not form a legitimate basis for a variance decision. The Planning Commission may impose conditions when granting variances as long as the conditions are directly related and bear a rough proportionality to the impact created by the variance. For instance, if a variance is granted to exceed the front setback limit, any conditions attached should presumably relate to mitigating the effect of the encroachment. 3. Variance Requirements – Section 1355.04, Subd. 4 The Applicants are requesting a front yard setback variance to demolition and reconstruct a single- family dwelling on the property located at 1861 Highway 96 W. The Planning Commission will need to make a determination utilizing the following variance findings and criteria on whether there are practical difficulties with complying with the zoning regulations. If the applicants do not meet all the factors of the statutory test, then a variance should not be granted. Variances are only permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the ordinance. 1. Purpose and Intent. The variance request shall comply with the purpose and intent of the provisions of the City’s Zoning Regulations and with the policies of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.